SARKODIE, STONEBWOY, CASSPER NYOVEST, DJ MENSAH, OTHERS NOMINATED FOR NEA AWARDS 2017

bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;"> Nominees for the 2017 Nigerian Entertainment Awards otherwise known as NEA Awards has been announced.

Notable among the nominees are regular Ghanaian nominees Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Efya, Becca, DJ Mensah and DJ Vyrusky.

Nominated for the Best Africa Male category, Sarkodie battles country fellow Stonebwoy, Sauti Sol, Cassper Nyovest, Diamond Platnumz, Eddie Kenzo, Nasty C and Toofan.

This is not the first time the CEO of SarkCess Music has been nominated for the African Male Artist (Non Nigerian/Africa) category. He secured nominations in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. He won the award in 2012 after beating stiff competition.

style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Perhaps, a repetition of last year’s battle, DJ Mensah comes face to face with 2017 winner for Best DJ at the Ghana DJ Awards, DJ Vyrusky in the Africa Best DJ’s (Non Nigerian) category.

Zylofon Media signed artist Becca also faces competition with Starbwoy Worldwide affiliate Efya, Amanda Black, Victoria Kimani and others in the Best Africa Female Artist (Non Nigerian).

On the movie front, Ama K, Abebrese, Chris Attoh, Majid Michel, Jackie Appiah, Yvonne Okoro were all nominated for Best African LEAD Role (Non Nigerian).

A-PLUS SIGNALS POLITICAL AMBITION WITH CONSTITUENCY CHAIRMAN POST

Musician and activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), A-Plus says his intention to be Chairman of the party is a stepping to greater heights in politics.

The comedian born Kwame Asare Obeng made known his resolve to vie for the chairmanship position of the NPP in the Gomoa Central Constituency via social media.

In reaction to questions on why he prefers to start his political career from a rather low rank as compared to most of his colleagues in the industry who mostly start contesting parliamentary seats, APlus said his bid is a springboard.

“I don’t think Constituency Chairman is small considering that you are in charge of a whole constituency. Also, winning an election for the party in that constituency will be every party's dream, besides one always has to start from somewhere,” he said.

He also hinted of his determination to contest the presidency of Ghana in some years to come.

“Eventually if I want to become the president of Ghana, but for now I want to be the Constituency Chairman, so long as we have life all other things shall follow.

"If there is life you keep dreaming and dreaming big, looking at opportunities and how to use it to help people, I even want to be the president of America,” he added jokingly.

When asked by MzGee if he would recommend that his colleagues in showbiz who want to venture politics start from the scratch, he said, “I don’t even want to tell people what to do, they live in their constituencies, they know their strengths in the constituencies. As for me, I want to work with the people from the grass root, I want to understand them, I know them”.

A-Plus mentioned Hiplife legend Reggie Rockstone as one of the industry persons who believes in his political ambition.

For more news, go to myjoyonline.com

SELFISH GHANAIAN ARTISTES KILLING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY WITH ‘BEEFS’ – EPIXODE

Afro-Dancehall Artiste, Epixode has said Ghanaian musicians are too fake; reason why their music is unable to cross borders.

According to him, most Ghanaian musicians copy blindly instead of staying original and making their talent flow. He noted that for the growth everybody is seeking to come into reality, there is the need for artistes to avoid copying others but stay natural.

He said: “Now everybody wants to sing like Mr. Eazi which is quite bad for us. We don’t appreciate ourselves…we don’t appreciate any talent that comes from here. As much as we want to get to the next level if we stay original, that is the only way we can stop saying Nigerian music is making waves than Ghanaian music because a Nigerian artiste would always want to use Ghana as a stepping stone to relate to the world”.

Epixode acknowledged that the seeming differences that exist between artistes in the country has also contributed to why the Ghana Music Industry continues to lag behind and therefore called on all well-meaning artistes to bury their differences in order to move the industry forward.

He, however, used the opportunity to call on Ghanaian event organisers to patronize the services of the Ghanaian act rather than depending on other international acts since artistes in Ghana can also provide them with the numbers they wish for.

GYAN HAS DISRESPECTED HIS MOTHER’S GHOST - AFIA SCHWARZENEGGER

Comedienne and Television personality Afia Schwarzenegger, has accused Black Stars Skipper, Asamoah Gyan of disrespecting his mother’s ghost.

Her comments were in reaction to a missed penalty during a friendly match between the Black Stars and their US counterparts where the player offered to take but missed.

He has been trolled on social media for not standing by his mother’s advice not to ever take penalty kicks after similar missed chances in time past that courted insults from aggrieved Ghanaians.

Afia Schwarzenegger said:”I tot you said your mum asked you to stay away from penalties? Where you disrespecting your mother’s ghost or you lied to Ghanaians….. but you kraaa why? Stay Away from our penalties. Akua Donkor can do better”

“I have said it several times and I’ll say it again today too, I will not rescind my decision not to take penalty kicks for the national team again, I will only play when it’s a penalty shoot-out and I have no option but even with that, I will not be part of the first five.”

Those were the words of Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan on based Happy FM after the 2010 world cup.

DEDE AYEW ENDORSES SHATTA WALE

Ghanaian football star Dede Ayew has endorsed dancehall act Shatta Wale as his all-time favourite artiste.

In an interview late June, the West Ham United midfielder was unequivocal in stating that “he’s the number one.

The son of the football legend told host of the entertainment segment on Joy News' Touchline Becky, that Shatta Wale's songs strikes a cord with most Ghanaian youth.

"God has given him something unique and I salute him”

Dede Ayew weighed in on controversy-prone dancehall artiste who has taken on big entertainment establishments like Chater House and runs lyrical battles with other artistes.

"I think he is someone a lot of people didn’t understand but now they understand him more, his philosophy and he has the talent".

Dede advised that Shatta Wale keep up the consistency, predicting the artiste's career has bright prospects.

For more news, go to myjoyonline.com

SHATTA WALE CAN SLEEP WITH ME ONLY IF I AM DRUNK - SISTER AFIA

Hiplife artiste, Sista Afia has said Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale can only sleep with her if she is drunk.

According to her, she sees Shatta Wale as a big brother who is helping her build a very successful career in Ghana’s Music Industry and for that reason she has not even had the thought of sleeping with her.

She said even if the Dancehall King can penetrate her, it will only be when she is drunk but until then, they remain brother and sister.

She indicated that it is understandable that people are of the opinion that she has slept with Shatta Wale because they are seen together but indicated that Shatta Wale is a professional and does not mix business with pleasure

Sista Afia who gradually seems to be taking on the ‘bad girl’ brand indicated that she has a very good relationship with the wife of Shatta Wale, Shatta Mitchy and will therefore not even nurse the thought of sleeping with the Dancehall king

GHANAIAN ACTOR DROWNS AT LABOMA BEACH

Just a week after burying his late mother, Ghanaian stage actor, Obed Nii Armah popularly known as Ronny Nii Armah has passed on.

The vibrant, hilarious and energetic stage actor did not die because of sickness but drowned at the Laboma Beach near La Pleasure beach on the Republic holiday, July 4, 2017, www.ghanaweb.com can state.

Ronny known for his roles as ‘Woyome’ in Scribe Productions “This Family Is Not For Sale Season 1 and 2”, and “I Want To Sue God”, soared to fame with his unique display of art.

The actor was swimming with friends when he encountered difficulties and went under the rough waters. He died shortly after being pulled from the water.

He is remembered by friends as a young, strong and talented man.

“We are very heart broken. We really had plans of doing lots of projects together. Well. All we can say is, "God knows best." May his good soul rest well. We have lost such a talent! Hmmm”, Kobina Ansah, CEO for Scribe Productions told Ghanaweb in an interview.

Ronny was a Level 300 student at University of Cape Coast pursuing Basic Education

Messages from friends have since been pouring in on his timeline on Facebook.

“Ronny Nii Armah your passion for acting beats my mind each time you were on stage...I called you "my favorite actor's favourite actor'....You were a friend Ronny... Your death was sudden..But..You may be gone but your memories lives with us at Scribe Productions...RIP friend.. #RonnyLives”, Millicent Aba Tetteh wrote.

“I don't Know where to start From. .Ah, Ah, This pain i can't comprehend. A Brother, filled with giftings. I remember when we said Stage Theater is our life and we are going to take it to the next level in Ghana and beyond, From Universal Theater Group to Ahisco to Drama.com till School of Performing Arts. You were filled with so much Creativity and you were ready to deliver. It's rather unfortunate you had to go so soon, Without completing most of your tasks. I pray the Good Lord of Heaven finds you a peaceful resting place. The Scar you engraved on our hearts will remain forever. A true hero, you left without a proper Goodbye. You will be missed Brother. You will never be forgotten. hmmmm, I wish i can ask Why but God knows best. May Your Soul Rest in Peace Obed Nii Armah Legend. #Ahisco #UniversalTheatre #StageLover #Brother #RESTINPEACE”, Alfred Richie Bennett also wrote.

“On our way back home in a car, Dorcas Sowah & i were giving u our condolences on ur mum's death & u said ur mum didn't try, she should hv waited 4 u to wear ur graduation gown for her to see. Let me ask u Ronny Nii Armah did u try at all?” another Facebook user also wrote. Watch snippets of his productions below:

MEDIKAL, STRONGMAN, ENO, LIL SHAKER AND CABUM TEAM UP FOR 'BAKAJI'

The music industry will in few days time witness a new joint from these talented rappers.

Titled 'Bakaji', this collaboration features Medikal, Strongman, Eno, Lil Shaker and Cabum and is hosted by Sarkcess official DJ Mensah.

In "Bakaji", Lil Shaker nailed the hook with words of motivation, while Strongman, Eno, Medikal and Cabum prove to us they are indeed "Bakaji" rappers.

After listening to the song, it will be difficult for one to judge who is a beast on a beat. Will it be Eno, Medikal, Strongman or Cabum?

According to the untouchable DJ Mensah, both the audio and video for #Bakaji is ready and will have the audio available to the public this Wednesday, July 5th, whiles the Lex McCarthy directed video officially drops next week

After spicing up our playlist with the Volume 5 of his Street Is Listening compilation, we just cant wait for "Bakaji"

WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE ABOUT - ZYLOFON MEDIA

After signing on 10 artistes in the last six months, tongues have started wagging about whether entertainment company, Zylofon Media really knows what it is about.

But Zylon Media wants those tongues to stay put because it has ‘its head well screwed on’ and the fast track signing on of artistes is a good business decision.

Artistes under the wings of the company are Kumi Guitar, Becca, Stonebwoy, Joyce Blessing, Obibini, James Gardener, Benedicta Gafah, Bibi Bright, Zynell Zuh and Too Sweet Annan.

Although they they do not reveal all, Zylofon Media is believed to offer juicy deals comprising of houses, large sums of money, cars among others which is making people wonder how they are going to break even and go ahead to make profit.

Among industry players who feel the rapid sign-ons of Zylofon Media may result in it going the way of of similar companies that have preceded it, is artiste manager, Enoch Adjepong.

“Why do you think the likes of Mad Time Records, Goodies and Agicoat went out of business? Records sales are no more booming in Ghana and I wonder why a new record label would sign on so many artistes.

“Honestly what are they signing the artistes for; there is no way Kumi Guitar for example can make profit for the four year contract he has signed”, Enoch Agyepong who manages Fatao Keita, traditional artiste said.

According to him, he would not have any doubts if Zylofon Media just wants to use the artistes to organise events but to rake in sales is a bit far fetched for him.

However, Samuel Atuobi Baah, Head of Communications at Zylofon Media has a different story to tell.

According to him, Zylofon Media knows what it is about adding that his outfit took into consideration all the advantages and disadvantages before signing the artistes on.

“It is not as if the company has a lot of money to throw away. We want to help the entertainment industry that has suffered for a long time to grow. The entertainment industry to have a record label to sign on great talents” he said.

He explained that, Zylofon Media did a lot of research before it began operating. “We are aware of all the record labels that signed on a lot of artistes and went burst. We have a well-thought out plan and very soon Ghanaians will know that Zylofon Media means business” he stated.

To him it is too early for anyone to describe Kumi Guitar as a failure adding that their outfit has a great plan for the Break Into Two singer.

Mr. Samuel Atuobi Baah revealed that a lot of artistes are knocking on their door to be signed on.

“ But we are not just signing for signing sake, we mean business and when our outfit is convinced about a particular artiste then we put pen on paper” he added.

For more news go to: www.graphic.com.gh

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MISS GHANA ORGANISATION CALLS ON THE PUBLIC TO HELP CHOOSE BEAUTY QUEEN

The Miss Ghana Organization, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture and ‘Ghana 60 Years On’ Committee is introducing an initiative, dubbed, ‘My Miss Ghana’ as part of the new additions to the Miss Ghana event in celebration of Ghana’s 60th anniversary.

The ‘My Miss Ghana’ project is an initiative that involves the general public in the selection of the person that would emerge the winner of the ‘Miss Ghana, 60Years On’ pageant.

Members of the general public are to identify any person who fits the role of a beauty queen and stands a good chance of competing and winning the Miss Ghana crown.

Any person can take the photo of the potential beauty queen and send it to all the social media handles of the Miss Ghana Organization and also to the website for the campaign. The photos that would be submitted should have the following details;

1. Name and contact of the Sender/Identifier

2. Name of the potential Beauty Queen, her social media account details (if any)

3. Add the hash tag #myMissGhana, #MissGhana60YearsOn.

4. Submissions can also be sent to mymissghana@exclusiveeventsghana.com

5. Post pictures on your personal page and tag all Social media handles;

Instagram:_missghana

Miss Ghana twitter: @_missghana

Facebook: Miss Ghana

Photos of potential queens would be compiled and added to those that would be selected at the main auditions of the pageant, for another round, where the final selection would be done for the final contestants for the pageant.

The finders/scouts/identifiers who would find their selected potential Queens in the Top 10 grand finale of the contest stand a chance of winning prizes from NASCO or a weekend stay at Busua Beach Resort Hotel.

As the organization marks its 60th anniversary, the focus is to have the ‘Miss Ghana60Years On’ titleholder; runners-up and regional queens dedicate a minimum of one year of service full of commitment, diligence, loyalty and passion – in line with extending social intervention programmes across the country.

The ‘Miss Ghana60Years On’ is powered by Exclusive Events Ghana in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture and ‘Ghana 60 Years On’ Committee and supported by NASCO and Busua Beach Resort.

‘UNPROFESSIONAL’ PRESENTERS SUBJECTING ZYLOFON MEDIA TO UNJUSTIFIED BACKLASH – SAMMY FLEX

The approach of some radio presenters and their producers with regards to holding discussions on activities of Zylofon Media has been described by Head of Communications for the firm, Samuel Atuobi Baah as ‘unprofessional’.

Widely known as Sammy Flex, the radio and television personality believes producers refusal to invite officials of the organization to answer questions on issues, yet allow their panelists to lambast the firm is a deviation from the ethics of journalism.

Zylofon Media has been slapped with a barrage of criticisms by some showbiz pundits and lovers of the arts who assert that the organization appears not to have a clear vision as it signed four more acts in addition to highlife artiste, Kumi Guitar who they posit, has not seen a significant rise after his unveiling, abrantepa.com has observed.

Speaking at a press briefing to outdoor five actors who have also been signed by the organization, Sammy Flex mentioned that it is his hope producers and presenters of entertainment shows would be as professional as possible.

“I would want to plead with producers of radio and television programs… Sometimes, you would want to talk about Zylofon Media on your platforms but it is unfortunate you don’t call the people you want to talk about to make statements on what you are talking about. I have been a radio person and I’m still a radio person. Before I discuss something about an entity, I call somebody from the entity to explain what they are doing before I allow other people to talk about them. Unfortunately, that has changed. People just get up and talk about Zylofon without calling anyone from Zylofon. It smacks of some unprofessional antics and we believe it will be improved,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Sammy Flex has said Zylofon has put on hold the signing of artistes till further notice.

Comments:

GOSPEL MUSIC MINISTRY & SHOW BUSINESS: WHO IS CONFUSED?

Last week’s feature, ‘Joe Mettle & His Team Must Sit Up’ astonishingly did generate perplexity, especially among the gospel fraternity. Some responded to the article with some level of elocution, discernment and tolerance; they objectively raised genuine issues with some of the points and attempted to even offer education on the thorny subject of Ministry and show business.

Others, however, acted a fool over the subject and decided to show their true colours of how imprudent they are – a sharp contrast of a spirit-filled attitude they exhibit in their daily endeavors. A bunch of ignoramuses who have no inkling on what music, arts and the show business are all about. Let’s not waste time on such dilettantes!

Most-importantly, the article also stoked a longstanding debate that has lingered across the world for years; the issue of Gospel Music, Ministry and Show business. There’s arguably a thin line between Gospel music and show business and while some gospel artists recognize it as such, others argue that, Ministry has nothing to do with the business.

The Gospel Music Ministry

Some critics of last week’s feature on Joe Mettle argued that, the artist is into Ministry – working for God, touching lives and should not conform to any standard. They asserted that, the artist pays no or little attention to counsel that holds a probability of tilting his plan of ‘spreading the word’.

Proponents of this argument that gospel music is a ministry also maintain that, the ultimate goal of gospel music is to propagate the word of God and to win souls for Christ. Once you veer off this task, you have lost the plot as a gospel artist.

They also say, that the gospel artist is just like the pastor; while the pastor stands in the pulpit to preach the word, making him/her a Minister of God, the gospel artist fulfills the same aim by preaching the word via music – making him/her a Minister of God too.

Some even move the argument a notch and state, that there ought not to be any template in Gospel Ministry, one only moves by the direction of God; meaning, that gospel music is a special form of calling and one needs the anointing to qualify as a true gospel artist or, most appropriately, a Minister of God.

Gospel music should not be confused with show business, they say; it should not be perceived as a business. Any gospel artist who does that has lost the true meaning of the core mandate of Ministry and in essence, he/she has lost the way.

GHANA @ 60 PLANNING COMMITTEE OWES ME – CHIEF MOOMEN

Ghanaian poet and playwright, Chief Moomen, has said he is facing the most difficult times of his career as government’s huge indebtedness to his company has put it on a verge of collapse. 

The situation has put his upcoming stage production in jeopardy as he has to deal with the huge debt he incurred producing a play at the behest of the government. 

In an emotional appeal published on Facebook on Thursday, the famed poet lamented that government had contracted him to show his ‘Wogbejeke’ theatre as part of activities to make Ghana’s 60th anniversary celebrations in March, and has since paid only half of the bill. 

According to Chief Moomen, several attempts to get government to pay the other half of the bill has proven futile, forcing him into a terrible financial situation. 

He said he has had to put his car on sale to help raise money to sustain his business. 

Although the current situation caused him to postpone the planned production of his wogbejeke in April, he is determined to get the act live on stage next week, and has since taken to Facebook to appeal for support to reach government officials to pay him his arrears. 

Read his post below:

“Please if anyone knows any powerful person in government please talk to the person to help me. I put up my Wogbejeke theatre show as part of activities to mark Ghana’s 60th anniversary celebrations in March and I have since been chasing for the other half of my payment. 

The debts I incurred from my March shows have had a devastating effect on my small business. This is why we cancelled our show in April because we simply couldn’t afford to stage it with all those debts. The situation hasn’t changed and my much publicised show on 3rd July is in serious jeopardy if I don’t get money this Friday. 

The painful thing is that, I took a loan from my bank in February to rent a facility to start a business. My debt situation in March made it difficult to further invest and start that business. 

Earlier this month, the loan was due and I had to scrape everything to pay it off without having it serve its purpose. This has further compounded my situation. 

Now I am a couple of days away from a major show at the National Theatre and I don’t have a penny to even refresh my over 150 cast and crew who are currently rehearsing for the show. I used up my sponsorship money from Key Soap (God bless them for the support these past two years) to offset some of the debts. 

All efforts to appeal to the powers that be to understand how serious my situation is has yielded no results. These past three months have been the most painful and frustrating moment in my professional career (I shall talk more about that someday). 

Now I need not less than 30,00ghc to make some urgent down payments to enable WogbeJeke to come off on Monday- ( payments for national theater, lights, sound, set, props, t&t for cast and crew and petty things just to get a show going. 

I will think about the other bigger costs like remunerations later) I have even put up my car for sale (again!) but nothing yet. Rather uncharacteristic of me, I’m putting this very personal stuff in public because I’m really desperate now. 

And I don’t know what else to do. I don’t want to disappoint my cast and crew. I don’t want to disappoint my audience. Please help if you can” 

Wogbe jeke is a theatre production by Chief Moomen that re-enacts Ghana’s pre-colonial histories to modern day times featuring the stories of kings, queens and legends amidst dance and music.”

AKUFO-ADDO’S DAUGHTERS JOIN FORCES WITH GLAM AFRICA TO SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Three sisters, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, Valerie Obaze, and Edwina Akufo-Addo, with diverse experiences and skills, have come together to put the spotlight on autism and support scores of children on the Spectrum, cared for at the Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre (AACT) in Accra.

Autism is a highly variable neuro-developmental disorder, which usually affects children at the early stages and presents among other things, great communication and emotional challenges for them. In Ghana, autism affects approximately 1 in every 150 children.

My Sister’s Keeper Foundation on Thursday 29th June 2017, partnered with Glam Africa Magazine, to host ‘Glam Africa Ball’ to raise a targeted GHc250,000 to support the project.

The funds were raised from different sources, including selling the dinner tables at the glam event, auctioning items including outfits from the Nineteen 57 by KOD clothing line, Modella B fashion, paintings from the Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre, art work from respected Ghanaian artist Kofi Agorsor as well as a brand new vehicle courtesy of Svani Motors which was raffled on the day.

The highly successful event, brought together philanthropists and well wishers across the globe. The President, Nana Akufo-Addo and the First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo were also present to support their children, who are focused on creating an impact-driven organization to give back to the society and help to build a safer and happier nation.

According to one of the sisters, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, “it is imperative for Ghanaians to be educated about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to stop the stigmatization that is usually associated with autism.

It is sad that in Ghana, some people attribute autism to witchcraft, and in the process, ostracize the affected persons instead of providing an enabling environment for them to be able to gain crucial therapy which will give them the independence to assimilate into ‘conventional’ society.”

The funds will be used to improve the lives of the 50 children with ASD being cared for at the Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre, RUN BY Aunty Serwah Quaynor, giving these children a new breath of life and hope, as well as to raise much needed awareness for ASD

ABOUT MY SISTER'S KEEPER

My Sister’s Keeper is a foundation that looks to positively affect people throughout Ghana—in their homes, in their communities, and most importantly, in their lives.

Every year, the founders will choose a new passion project they aim to support in the ensuing 12 months, for which the privately-funded charity will build and execute a year-long series of initiatives and events.

The aim is to not only advocate for their chosen causes, which span education, female empowerment, and the creative arts amongst other interests—but to, directly and indirectly, deliver social impact in the communities that My Sister’s Keeper founders will choose to work in.

Every project selected is chosen with care and is close to the hearts of the co-founders (Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, Valerie Obaze, and Edwina Akufo-Addo), who hope that through this initiative, they can do their part to support Ghana’s Change momentum.

Glam Africa is an international glossy magazine that targets readers who are interested in African Lifestyle, Travel, Fashion, Hair & Beauty, and who share an interest in the cultural achievements of Africans.

The magazine which launched in 2014 currently has operations in four countries (Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and the UK) where it sold at newsstands as well as the major chain stores, including W H Smith, Checkers, Spar and Shoprite.

MY WOMANISING BROTHER ACTED HIS REAL CHARACTER IN ‘EFIEWURA’ – BROTHER OF KOFI AGYIRI

Brother of the late Kofi Agyiri, an actor in the popular ‘Efiewura’ series which airs on TV 3 has said his brother acted his womanising behaviour in the series that got Ghanaians glued to their TV sets.

According to him, his brother has six children with six different women and for that reason, he could play his role very well because, in real life, he is able to date several women.

He, however, mentioned that although his brother was a womaniser, he was a very responsible gentleman who worked tirelessly to take care of his six children and their mothers.

“Surprisingly, my brother never married! He gave birth to six (6) kids with different women accordingly. More importantly, the late Kofi did his possible best to take good care of the kids as well as his baby mamas. It’ll interest you to know that his ‘womanising’ character as exhibited in Efriewura is a fair representation of his real human behaviour.”

Kofi Agyiri died on Friday after years of battling kidney failure.

UTV presenter ready to assist kidney patients

The host of My Health, My Life (MHML) on UTV, Abigail Meley Ashley, has initiated a project dubbed ‘Let’s Support Kidney Patients’ to help raise funds to assist people with kidney problems.

The radio and TV personality, who recently launched her 94-page book titled ‘Behind My Smiles-A Decade Of My Life’, disclosed that she has lined up a number of activities to raise funds and educate the public about kidney disease.

In an interview with BEATWAVES, Abigail Ashley bemoaned the cost of dialysis, saying it kills people faster than the disease itself.

“I am a kidney patient myself and have been diagnosed a chronic kidney patient at the ‘stage 4’ level but by divine intervention, I have survived several years beyond what medical experts in Ghana and abroad had stated that I will be dead in a couple of years,” she told BEATWAVES.

Abigail Ashley has appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, support people suffering from kidney failure through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

“I am happy to champion this cause and people who have the condition or not and are ready to restrict their diet have a greater chance to live happily, always remember that whatever one eats to a large extent determines your health status,” she advised.

Source: dailyguideafrica.com

Kofi Asamoah lied; he stole my movie - ‘Skeem’ director

The credibility of Ghanaian film director, Kofi Asamoah, has been challenged after his public claim that he was given permission to remake a 2011 South African film, ‘Skeem’, has been denied by the producer of the movie.

Kofi Asamoah during a live interview on Pundits, an entertainment talk show on GHOne TV, was very categorical that he had the permission of Tim Greene, a Johannesburg film director, to produce a duplication of the latter’s film, ‘Skeem’, but Tim Greene has insisted he has never given such permission to the Ghanaian producer

“A Ghanaian journalist looked me up on Facebook to ask if I knew about the movie ‘John & John’. The director had been going around saying I had given permission for the ‘adaptation’. I hadn’t and, of course, it was a real surprise. Really, quite a huge surprise. Like, the most surprising single thing that’s happened to me,” Tim Greene said in a news report put out by Channel 24.

Hitherto, Kofi Asamoah had been basking in glory and hopping from one media house to another bragging that his movie, ‘John & John’, is one of the best things that ever happened to the Ghanaian movie sector.

The movie, a well-produced one, indeed, received great reviews and was well embraced.



Even when movie pundits drew Kofi Asamoah’s attention to the fact that ‘John & John’ could be an infringement on ‘Skeem’ and there could be copyright challenges, the Ghanaian producer insisted he has met the producer of ‘Skeem’ at a film festival in South Africa after which they spoke and agreed for the adaptation to be done.

In a rather embarrassing twist, this was what Tim Greene told Channel 24:

“I haven’t seen the whole thing, but extrapolating from the trailer, it’s a wholesale rip-off. The characters, the situation, events and – line for line – the dialogue….it’s basically a full jack.”

Tim Greene said he would not seek court redress over the matter and that his team and that of Kofi Asamoah were now talking about how to straighten the wrong.

“We’re engaged in conversations right now about making things right. We’re asking them to retroactively purchase the remake rights. They’ve agreed, but we haven’t received any payments yet.”

When Tim Greene was asked if he would have granted permit for a remake of ‘Skeem’ had Kofi Asamoah approached him, he responded in the affirmative.

“Yes, without a doubt. In fact, we would have considered it a great honour. There is nothing more flattering than another film maker saying they like your work so much that they want to invest their own blood, sweat and tears into making their own version of it.

“I’m fascinated and endlessly entertained by the whole thing. And weirdly flattered. I mean, they did a bad thing, but no one died. Life goes on. Hopefully, it will all turn out well in the end. I like it that my little movie is having a surreal little afterlife,” Tim Greene explained.

Source: dailyguideafrica.com